The WNBPA and Pepsi have announced a multi-year partnership with Pepsi Stronger Together, with all 12 WNBA markets set to have community giveback initiatives implemented as part of the partnership.
While the league has had a longstanding relationship with Pepsi, it’s the first time a direct partnership has been initiated between the players’ association and the company.
WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson told Boardroom that the partnership made sense for the union, adding that they are intentional about their partners and finding organizations and companies “that align with the players’ values and understand who they are.”
“For us to be in partnership with Pepsi Stronger Together and to have resources provided to amplify the communities that we serve and the initiative’s mission that we uphold, it’s huge,” Ogwumike told Boardroom. “And I love that the player involvement is always authentic and real and direct.”
Minnesota Lynx guard Layshia Clarendon also called the partnership “huge.”
Y’all, this is huge! *The players* have worked so hard to build the strength of our union and this multi-year deal with is directly with the WNBPA. Not the league entity but OUR UNION! So we get to decide where the $ is going! Today $50K went to @GOTRLA! pic.twitter.com/AGzBn4Mek1— Layshia Clarendon (@Layshiac) November 5, 2021
Y’all, this is huge! *The players* have worked so hard to build the strength of our union and this multi-year deal with is directly with the WNBPA. Not the league entity but OUR UNION! So we get to decide where the $ is going! Today $50K went to @GOTRLA! pic.twitter.com/AGzBn4Mek1
“The players have worked so hard to build the strength of our union and this multi-year deal is directly with the WNBPA,” they wrote. “Not the league entity but OUR UNION! So we get to decide where the $ is going!”
The first initiative that the two will partner up on is in support of Girls on the Run, an organization that helps girls build self-confidence and become community leaders. Pepsi will pledge $50,000 and partner up with Ogwumike to execute the initiative.
As a result of the partnership and as more initiatives are announced, the W will continue to lead the way in terms of racial justice, LGBTQ advocacy and public health.